We built a temporary house on a piece of land in Moriya City unused for several years, and while living there, are thinking about humankind and its environment through farming.
Farming is the human activity of working the land sustainably. Humans cultivate the land and raise crops. But in reality, this is something difficult to experience unless you are an actual farmer or have a field.
Sandwiched between a bamboo grove and houses, the land we have borrowed from a local resident for the project is designated an “urbanization control area.” In such an area, development and building construction is in principle prohibited in order to prevent uncontrolled urbanization. So that we could construct a “house” for farming at this location, we applied for a building permit for what is termed a temporary “entertainment place.” Cultivate House functions as an actual house with a “barn” for storing tools as well as beds and a composting toilet. Part of the wall opens out toward the field like a stage.
In the field, we have planted true-bred and native species, and engage in no-till farming using companion planting and mulched grass. Due to changes in how different species grow according to the conditions of the soil, crops cultivated through such methods cannot be harvested in the same season. On the other hand, crops grow by harnessing the ecosystems that exist in the soil.
Observing the process of the crops growing, we have created prints on artificial materials found at the site like plastic and aluminum cans. We have also used the bamboo and arrowroot growing wild on the land to make objects. We cook and eat the crops, and use rice bran or husk to turn human waste into compost. Starting from a vacant plot of land, we are proposing ways to readapt human activities to the environment by finding cooperation with nature.
 
https://www.arcusprojectopenstudios.com/artist/olta/
 
“Cultivate House: Uncertain Generation”
Period: February 2, 2022 (Wed) – March 14, 2022 (Mon), 13:00 – 17:00
Location: Moriya City, Ibaraki Prefecture (will be announced to those who inquire)
Details:
1. Interior of the “Cultivating House
2. harvest of agricultural products (carrots, radishes, etc.)
3. pottery works baked with rice husk smoked charcoal, bamboo works, print works, aluminum can journal, etc.
4. tea made from radish and carrot leaves
Equipment: shoes that can get dirty, warm clothing
 
“Cultivate House: Uncertain Generation”Press Release
 
“ARCUS project 2021 IBARAKI online Open Studios”
Period:March 5, 2022 (Sat) – March 27, 2022 (Sun)
Venue:Online
 
Artist Talk
Speakers: Ieva Raudsepa (Latvia), millonaliu [Klodiana Millona & Yuan Chun Liu] (Albania/Taiwan), OLTA (Japan)
Moderator: Keisuke Ozawa（Director, ARCUS Project）
https://www.arcusprojectopenstudios.com/talk/
 
“Online Artist-in-Residence Program Final Presentations”
Resident artists: Ieva Raudsepa (Latvia), millonaliu [Klodiana Millona & Yuan Chun Liu] (Albania/Taiwan), OLTA (Japan)
Date: December 12, 2020 (Sat) 15:00-17:00
https://www.arcus-project.com/en/event/2020/ev_en201212150000.html
 
“ARCUS Project 2020 IBARAKI Artist-in-Residence Program”
Resident artists: Ieva Raudsepa (Latvia), millonaliu [Klodiana Millona & Yuan Chun Liu] (Albania/Taiwan), OLTA (Japan)
Period: September 24, 2020(Thu) – December 17, 2020(Thu)